Via KT133 chipset and sound card compatibility

[trmiv]

I am getting ready to buy an MSI K7T Pro2, but I keep hearing about sound card problems with the Via KT133 chipset. I currently have a Vortex2 based card, which I hear has major problems with the chipset. So I am considering buying a Sound Blaster Live Value to replace the Vortex2, but now keep reading that there are problems with crackling with the Live cards. Has anyone had these problems? Are there workarounds for them? Also, if these problems are to difficult to fix, what other sound cards would do the job correctly in this motherboard?

Also, I know the K7T Pro2 has onboard sound, but how is it? Is it good enough to get me by until I save up enough to buy another good sound card. I already have to replace my ISA modem when I get this mobo, so I can't afford to get a new sound card right away.

 

[DABANSHEE]

Well, I've never had any problems with soundcards & VIA boards, including the KT133.

 

[TP]

I have an MSI K7t Pro, and I had problems when trying to use my Monster 300 sound card. I switched to the onboard sound, which I think is the same on the 2A board, and it works fine, though I have a good speaker set with a subwoofer...I would get a Soundblaster if I could afford it though...

 

[Tonec]

Win98/SE everythingworks fine with the latest beta drivers
2000 works as long as you use the default drivers on the windows cd only.

 

[MANKOU]

AC 97 is a decent solution. I was using it for some months with my K7T Pro and it was OK, ...... UNTIL I INSTALLED DIRECTX8. DON'T DO IT!!!
It messed up completely the sound quality. Uninstalled DX8, reinstalled DX7A, no improvement. Finally I got SB Live Player 5.1 and everything is alright.

 

[Milano]

Is the KT133 a decent motherboard for OC'ing? Should i get the KT133A instead? I'm thinking of gettingAlienware'sgrey system with a duron and overclocking it. Any help?

 

[Rifter]

My SB Live works fine with my Pro2A.

 

[Mem]

My SBLive 1024 value OEM works fine in my MSI K7T PRO board.

 

[TonDef]

I had a Tyan Trinity 400 (Apollo Pro133A chipset) a couple of months ago that absolutely refused to function properly with my Aureal SQ2500. Booting Win2K Professional, I would get the first second or so of the bootup WAV file and it would just cut off and you'd never get another peep out of the speakers. I tried all the latest beta drivers and funky installation workarounds that supposedly helped solve the problem, but it never worked for me. Eventually I just dumped the Trinity.

Anyway, your best source for Vortex drivers will probably be the Vortex of Sound site. Good luck!